§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, With reference to official reports showing that the Colonial authorities, and the officers of Her Majesty's Army commanding their troops, carry on the Basuto War by the systematic plunder and destruction of private property, and especially to the last telegram from the British Governor, in which it is stated that Colonel Carington is encamped at Bolcka "destroying large quantities of crops around," even at the time when an armistice was agreed on, and was about to commence, Her Majesty's Government will express approval of that course, and whether they will permit British officers to take part in it?
MR. GRANT LUFFHer Majesty's Government cannot be responsible for the details of military operations conducted by officers acting under the Colonial Government, and responsible to it. Any unnecessary destruction of property would be, of course, quite unjustifiable and a matter for deep regret.
§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman to answer my Question, Whether Her Majesty's Government will or will not permit British officers to take part in those operations?
MR. GRANT DUFFI endeavoured to convey to the mind of my hon. Friend that Her Majesty's Government was in no way whatever responsible for these proceedings, and that it expresses neither approval nor disapproval of them.